New for 2014

Vehicle Overview

The Toyota Tundra is the automaker’s full-size half-ton pickup that fits above the smaller Tacoma in the lineup.

Summary

The 2014 Toyota Tundra is available in four trim levels, has one V-6 and two V-8 engines, five- and six-speed automatic transmissions, rear- and four-wheel drive, and three different cabs. The regular cab is exactly what you’d expect, the double cab is surprisingly roomy, and the CrewMax is downright spacious. The base SR model gets the option of a 4.0-liter V-6 that makes 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, can only be paired with RWD and a five-speed automatic, and gets an EPA-estimated 16/20 mpg city/highway. Two V-8s are available: the 310-hp 4.6-liter V-8 that makes 327 lb-ft of torque, or the 381-hp 5.7-liter V-8 that makes 401 lb-ft. Both engines get a six-speed automatic and get EPA-estimated mileage to the tune of 14-15/18-19 on the 4.6-liter V-8 and 13/17-18 on the 5.7-liter V-8.

The 2014 Toyota Tundra lineup received three- and four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars): The regular and RWD extra cab models received the lowest rating at three stars, while the crew cab and 4WD extra cab models received the highest rating at four stars. In IIHS testing, the Tundra received a rating of good for the four categories it has been tested in (the highest-possible rating is good).

What We Think

In a vacuum, this truck is great, but we couldn’t help comparing it to the domestic competition, saying in a First Drive of the 2014 Tundra: “Another gripe about the Tundra is that nothing much is happening in the cargo bed. Compared with the Ram's clever cargo management system and bodyside storage compartments or the Ford F-150's bed extender and deployable tailgate step, it's not too advanced . . . the six-speed automatic is no match for the Ram's eight-speed (and the fuel economy advantage it returns), but isn't a bad transmission . . . Considering this new level of Frankentruckness along with the curious lack of powertrain improvements and the absence of key features, we have to ask: will Toyota ever get the big truck thing right?” Despite those criticisms, we praised the 1794 edition for its high quality and comfort. While it’s a good truck in some ways, “we can't think of a significant advantage the Tundra has over the Ram or any other full-size competitor.”

You’ll Like

Well-paired 5.7-liter V-8 and six-speed tranny

1794 edition

Good steering feel and feedback

You Won’t Like

Poor fuel economy

Controversial revised styling

Missing key features of competitors

Key Competitors

Ford F-150

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Ram 1500

GMC Sierra 1500

Nissan Titan

Rating

2

Toyota TRD Pro Series Introduced for Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner

By
Eric Weiner
- 02/06/2014

Aimed at the hardcore off-road enthusiast, Toyota will roll out a new line of purpose-built trucks under its Toyota Racing Development (TRD) banner in fall 2014. The TRD Pro series adds a special set of exclusive equipment to certain Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner models with 4x4 capability.

Toyota announced today a new marketing campaign for the 2014 Tundra called, "Build Anything." In addition to print and online advertisements, the effort features three new commercials that show the 2014 Toyota Tundra transforming the backyards of everyday drivers.

The Toyota Tundra burst back onto the full-size truck scene for 2007 with more attitude, space, and capabilities. While the refreshed 2014 Tundra can't quite be called an all-new model, pricing will stay competitive: a base regular cab model with rear-wheel drive and a V-6 will carry a $26,915 MSRP. At the top end of the range are the 2014 Tundra 1794 Edition and Platinum, both of which have a four-wheel-drive base price of $48,315, including the $995 destination charge.

Toyota's beleaguered design staff needed to try something, anything, with the 2014 Tundra. Customers, automotive critics, and little old ladies in crosswalks had been demanding better styling for the unhappiest-looking pickup on the market. So, with nearly limitless digital capacity at their disposal at the Calty Design Center in Newport Beach, California, and the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the team dispatched their evolving creation on a virtual journey.

Toyota and Ford are going their separate ways when it comes to developing a rear-drive SUV and truck hybrid system. Originally announced in August 2011, the now-dissolved collaboration means future hybrid-powered light-duty trucks and SUVs from the two brands will each boast unique technology.

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